According to Andy Naylor of The Athletic, Burnley have made a bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Dale Stephens. The news comes with Burnley attempting to strengthen and add much-needed depth to what is a relatively small squad.
The deal could suit Graham Potter and Brighton, too, who may feel it is time to move players on after recruiting well in the summer. At 31, Dale Stephens isn’t much use in the grand scheme of Graham Potter’s project at Brighton. A move to Burnley could suit all parties.
Burnley Make Bid for Dale Stephens
Stephens Not Needed at Brighton
Graham Potter’s Brighton project is coming along perfectly. Last season tested the waters and implemented the neat and tidy football we’ve come to expect at the Amex. This season, the Brighton boss was given the backing of the owners to bring players in who suit his style of play.
The likes of Adam Lallana and Joel Veltman were bought in, adding winning experience and the ability needed to slot straight into Potter’s slick style of player. Tariq Lamptey arrived last season and is flourishing at the Amex to add the cherry on top of the impressive start to the season.
And, the truth is, with Yves Bissouma, Adam Lallana and Steven Alzate all competing for a place in midfield, Dale Stephens is no longer needed at Brighton.
Much Needed Depth for Burnley
Should their bid be accepted, Burnley will likely complete a deal for the Brighton midfielder. The deal would add much-needed depth to a struggling Burnley squad. It has been another summer of transfer woes at Turf Moore with Sean Dyche again not backed in the market.
And it could be their stubbornness on the transfer front which costs Burnley so drastically in the Premier League this season. If they fail to add reinforcements, their top-flight status will certainly be put into question.
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